WREXHAM Museum will be displaying the Roman lead ingot (also known as a pig) that was discovered in the area last year.

The pig was discovered by local detectorist, Rob Jones, near Rossett, who immediately notified the local finds officer (NE Wales) for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) based at Wrexham Museum, allowing the object to be examined whilst it was still in the ground.

The Leader: The Roman metal object discovered in a field near Rossett. (Source Wrexham Council)The Roman metal object discovered in a field near Rossett. (Source Wrexham Council)

Steve Grenter, heritage and archives lead, said: "The pig has a fine moulded inscription which bears the name of Marcus Trebellius Maximus, the governor of the province of Britannia between 63 and 69CE, during the reign of the Emperor Nero.

"No other inscriptions bearing his name have ever been found in the UK, which is why it has attracted so much excitement nationally.

"The extraction of lead and silver was a significant reason for the invasion of Britain under the Emperor Claudius in 43CE.

"We know that the Romans exploited the mineral resources of Flintshire and possibly Minera, but we don’t have clear evidence at the latter site.

"It is not currently known where the lead in the Rossett pig came from although work to determine this is currently ongoing at the University of Liverpool.

"We await the results of their research."

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for people – communities, partnerships public protection and community safety, added: "Wrexham Council would like to acknowledge the support of the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Trust, the Friends of Wrexham Museums and PAS Cymru in enabling the museum to keep the pig here in north-east Wales.

"The Rossett lead pig is highly significant in the puzzle of the early history of our area and as the local councillor for Rossett it is great to see it on display where it can provoke and help answer questions about life here nearly 2,000 years ago."

The Rossett lead pig is on show in Gallery 1 at Wrexham Museum.

Admission is free and opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 11am until 4pm.

For more information, contact Wrexham Museum on 01978 297460.